Preparing for a child can be a monumental endeavor for new parents. Nothing prepares one for becoming a parent no matter how many books you read or how much preparation you do. Simple accidents can become medical nightmares. One of the ways to ensure you are prepared for medical emergencies is by learning how to perform CPR.

CPR short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a lifesaving measure performed when a person’s heart stops beating or when one has stopped breathing. CPR can make all the difference in an emergency. Every second counts when children are having trouble with respiration after certain incidents such as poisoning, drowning, smoke inhalation, and choking. In such cases, performing CPR can help resolve breathing problems, saving a child’s life.

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Reasons why parents need to learn CPR include:

You Will Be the First Responder

In most emergency situations involving children, parents are often the first responders. Actions that you take in those crucial moments matter the most and make the most impact. In emergencies such as drowning and choking, how you respond in the first few seconds can make the difference between life and death.

According to SureFire CPR, it is estimated that it takes about seven minutes for EMS agencies to respond. It only takes four minutes for a child to suffer from permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Knowing CPR will give you an advantage as the first responder in such situations. You will not only save your child’s life but also ensure his quality of life.

Kids Will Be Kids

You can never be too sure when it comes to kids playing. One minute the child is fine, the next minute he is crying because he fell or knocked into something. That is why it is important for parents to supervise their kids even during independent play.

One of the common accidents during children’s playtime is choking. Children especially infants tend to put objects in their mouths. In cases where a piece of food or toy has blocked your child’s airway, the first response should be to open the airway.

Common reasons kids will need CPR, as stated by MedlinePlus:

  • Choking
  • Drowning
  • Electrical shock
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Head trauma or other serious injury
  • Lung disease
  • Poisoning
  • Suffocation

According to Child Development Institute, if the child is still not breathing, there's no pulse, or they are unconscious, CPR should be administered immediately. There are many cases where parents who know CPR have saved their children’s lives before medical help arrives.

Situations Requiring CPR Are Common

No parent wants to think about their children needing CPR. However, the harsh reality is that CPR situations are more common than you think. According to statistics, kids get into accidents that require CPR more than other medical conditions. The numbers are even higher during the summer.

In cases such as poisoning and drowning, if you do nothing but call 911, you would be putting your child’s life at risk. Chest compressions help to keep the blood flowing, providing oxygen to vital organs such as the brain before the emergency unit arrives.

Help Does Not Always Arrive On Time

During emergencies, you don’t know how long it will take the paramedics to arrive. According to HuffPost, knowing how to perform CPR could be the only chance your child may have if they are not breathing. Knowing CPR does not benefit your family only. You have a chance to save a stranger’s life when the need arises.

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Sources: huffpost.com, childdevelopmentinfo.com, surefirecpr.com.